Water Lily ‘Wanvisa’ (Nymphaea ‘Wanvisa’) - Striking Variegated-Petal Hardy Lily with Marbled Pads (Peat-Free, Pesticide-Free)

A genuine showstopper, Nymphaea ‘Wanvisa’ produces rich coral/rose flowers splashed and streaked with warm apricot-gold, often on the same bloom - sometimes even throwing near-solid flowers next to boldly variegated ones. Compact, marbled green-chocolate pads complete the tropical look on a fully hardy lily. Flowering from early summer to autumn, it lays a handsome mosaic of surface shade that gives cool refuge for tadpoles, newts and fry while adding serious theatre to the pond. Expect flowers around 10-14 cm across and a mature leaf spread of ~0.9-1.2 m in still, sunny water. Best for small-medium ponds and statement tubs where dramatic colour is the brief. (A non-native cultivar grown for ornamental value; keep overall leaf cover sensible for pond balance.)

Where it thrives

• Light: Full sun (tolerates light/partial shade with fewer flowers)

• Water/Depth: Still to very slow-moving water; set crown roughly 30-60(-80) cm below the surface (start shallower, lower as growth strengthens)

• Setting: Open water just beyond the marginal line; partners well with low native edgers for a natural frame to the colour show

Planting & care

• Plant rhizome in a mesh aquatic basket using peat-free aquatic compost; top-dress with washed grit, then lower so pads reach the surface.

• Starter guide: 1 plant per ~1-2 m² of open water; keep total leaf cover ≤ one-third of the surface.

• Remove yellowing leaves and spent blooms through the season to keep water sweet.

• Lift and divide every 3-4 years (warm months) to refresh vigour and manage spread.

• Use rainwater where possible and avoid fertilisers to maintain clear, low-nutrient conditions.

Safety (important & honest):
Ornamental/wildlife use only - do not ingest. Rhizomes are tough; use gloves and a sharp knife when dividing. Never release plants or pond water into natural watercourses.

Truth-first wildlife note:
Lilies aren’t heavy nectar plants, but they deliver habitat value: surface shade, temperature moderation, and cover for young aquatic life. For nectar, ring the shelf with single-flowered UK natives.

Joel says…
“‘Wanvisa’ is pond fireworks - coral petals flicked with gold and chocolate-marbled pads. Give it sun, keep cover to a third, and let it steal the scene.”

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you are ordering perennials between the months of October and March, including aquatic plants, please be aware that this is the dormant phase for perennials, so your plants may arrive showing potentially little or no top growth at this stage, or can in some cases still have some old leaves from last year showing also. Please don't worry, as this is all quite normal. Once the weather warms up in spring, you will start to see fresh growth and activity! If you ever have any concerns at all, please just message the team on enquiries@wildyourgarden.com and we'll always do our best to help.